English-speaking support groups and meetings in the Algarve for AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), support for those who are HIV positive, cancer support meetings and more...

Below you will find information on the various support organisations and helplines in the Algarve. While some have English-speaking staff and volunteers, there is no guarantee that English will be spoken.

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (Alcoólicos Anónimos) in Portugal has a website with a list of all the meetings throughout the country. Some of the meetings are in English.

The Portuguese Anti-Cancer League (Liga Portuguesa contra o Cancro) provides assistance, advice and support for cancer sufferers and their families and can provide family and group therapies. It has palliative care programmes and units and runs support groups in the Algarve region.

Mental Health

SOS Voz Amiga is a helpline for the depressed, lonely, suicidal and anxious and is organised by the Portuguese Suicide Society (Sociedade Portuguesa de Suicidologia).

SOS Voz Amiga - Tel: 800 202 669 / 213 544 545

The Association for Depression and Bipolar Disease (Associação de Apoio aos Doentes Depressivos e Bipolares, ADEP) provides support to people with mental illness across Portugal. There are self-help groups held in the Algarve area at the department of psychiatry in Espirito Santo Hospital.

Family Support

The Portuguese Association for Families Anonymous (Associação Portuguesa de Famílias Anónimas, APFA) deals with all problems affecting families from drug and sexual abuse to sexuality problems.

Portuguese Association for Families Anonymous
Tel: 214 538 709

SOS Missing Children is a helpline providing support and information for parents of missing children. The helpline operates in ten countries in Europe and is available 24/7.

Children's Support

The Portuguese Provedor de Justiça provides help and advice for children in need and can assist with legal matters and with contacting the relevant social services. Contact can be made via free telephone.